Kidnappers of the General Secretary of Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti Alumni Association, Mr. Rufus Oladele, set him free on Tuesday night following payment of ransom after four days in their den.
According to Sources, N5m was paid to the kidnappers who had earlier asked for N10m from his family members before they could set him free.
The ransom for the freedom of the native of Erinjiyan Ekiti, who was kidnapped on Friday along Aramoko-Efon Road in Ekiti State, was contributed by some members of the alumni, relations and well-meaning members of his community to secure his safe release.
The traditional ruler of the community, Oba Adegoroye Omoseebi, who expressed joy that his subject has regained his freedom from the kidnappers, said well-meaning members of the community sprang into action for his release through networking immediately information got to them that Oladele had been kidnapped.
The monarch said: “I, as well as Erinjiyan, am happy that he is released. I thank all those who rose to his rescue.
“The security agencies and the state government have to do something to curb the incessant kidnapping in the state urgently.”
Spokesman for the Police in Ekiti State, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, who confirmed Oladele’s release, said: “Through the intensive effort of the Command operatives, Oladele Rufus has been released by the kidnappers.”
However, Ikechukwu said Police were still working to secure the release of a twin, Kehinde Oseni, who was abducted on the same road on Saturday.
“The kidnappers are demanding N6m for the release of the twin.
Ikechukwu said: “The Command has placed watertight security at all strategic areas in order to curb, arrest criminals and kidnappers within the state.
“All the Divisional Police Officers have been warned to beef up adequate security within their area of responsibilities.”
He implored members of the public to co-operate with the Police to be security conscious, vigilant and report any untoward incidence and go about their lawful businesses